Photos: Ironman World Record Holder Marino Vanhoenacker

Belgian triathlete Marion Vanhoenacker runs during an early season training camp at Las Playitas resort on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Vanhoenacker goes for a run in the Energy Lab in the days leading up to the 2010 Ironman World Championship. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Marino Vanhoenacker trained alone in the Canary Islands before racing Ironman South Africa, where he dropped out on the run. In July, 2011, he recorded the fastest time ever at Ironman Austria.

Vanhoenacker cycled a 4:31:00 in Kona. Photo: John Segesta

Vanhoenacker ran his way to third at the 2010 Ironman World Championship. Photo: John Segesta

Vanhoenacker shows focus during a warm up for the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Vanhoenacker on the podium at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. Photo: Paul Phillips

Vanhoenacker sprints through transition at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Vanhoenacker races in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Vanhoenacker kicked off his season with a second-place finish at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. Photo: Aaron Hersh

Vanhoenacker races as part of Team Commerzbank. The team is losing its major sponsor for 2012, leaving an uncertain fate for the team. Photo: Kurt Hoy

A different view of Vanhoenacker racing at Ironman South Africa. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Vanhoenacker posted the fastest bike split of the day at Ironman South Africa, going 4:18:14. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Vanhoenacker shows off his stride at Ironman South Africa. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Vanhoenacker told Triathlete.com that he can compete in multiple Ironmans throughout the year without hurting his Kona performance. Photo: Kurt Hoy

Vanhoenacker looked good on the first lap of the three-run South African run course, but eventually withdrew from the race. Photo: Kurt Hoy

At this year's Ironman South Africa Vanhoenacker posted a strong swim and bike to head onto the run in first place. Photo: Kurt Hoy